8th Ave NW Bridge Seismic Improvements Project

What's happening now?

Our team is finalizing the design for the 8th Ave NW Bridge seismic improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as spring 2019.

We are working with the nearby community and considering factors such as technical feasibility, cost, and efficiency, to inform the 2019 construction approach and associated timeline.

To stay up to date with the latest project information, sign up to join our project email list. We will keep you updated by sending emails at major milestones. We will also work closely with neighbors who live near the project area to communicate the construction schedule and what to expect as construction approaches.

Project overview

Seismic events could have detrimental effects on Seattle's infrastructure. To address seismic risks to city infrastructure, the City of Seattle established a bridge seismic retrofit program to assess the seismic vulnerability of the City's bridges and to prioritize limited funding to reduce this transportation infrastructure vulnerability.

As part of the Levy to Move Seattle, 16 bridges were selected for seismic retrofits, including the 8th Ave NW Bridge. The 8th Ave NW Bridge is an older bridge constructed in 1950 prior to the modernization of the seismic design code. Spanning a forested ravine and connecting different parts of the Broadview neighborhood, it carries both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The planned seismic retrofits to the 8th Ave NW Bridge include several modification to seismically strengthen existing bridge components and reduce overall seismic vulnerability. There will be construction equipment, noise, dust, and possible detours for the duration of the project to maintain a safe separation between people and the work site.

Project Map

Schedule and construction*

30% Design

June 2018

60% Design

September 2018

Final Design

January 2019

Construction begins

Spring 2019

*The schedule is subject to change.

Funding

The total project estimate is $3 million and is funded through the Levy to Move Seattle. Approved by voters in 2015, the 9-year, $930 million Levy to Move Seattle provides funding to improve safety for all travelers, maintain our streets and bridges, and invest in reliable, affordable travel options for a growing city.

Get involved

We're committed to keeping you informed and working with neighbors to limit construction impacts to the extent feasible. Here are some more ways to get information about the project:

Top Requests

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) develops, maintains, and operates a transportation system that promotes the mobility of people and goods, and enhances the quality of life, environment, and economy of Seattle. In June 2002, SDOT was created by combining transportation planning from the former Strategic Planning Office with the former Seattle Transportation Department to bring a more comprehensive approach to transportation service delivery. A major element of SDOT's creation was the establishment of the Policy, Planning, and Major Projects division, which is charged with transportation system planning and providing increased control and influence over major projects under construction in Seattle.